The fact that the Vikings have managed to turn things around without their best player is notable.
After missing the required number of games with a hamstring injury, Vikings star receiver Justin Jefferson has officially been designated for return. As a result, Jefferson was a limited participant in practice Wednesday at TCO Performance Center, and the Vikings now have 21 days to activate him from injured reserve.
Though this is the first step for Jefferson getting back on the field for a game, it does not necessary mean he will play for the Vikings on Sunday in their home game against the New Orleans Saints. The medical staff will monitor how Jefferson responds to work in practice before making that decision.
Asked about the chances of Jefferson playing this weekend, head coach Kevin O’Connell replied, “I think that would probably be a little aggressive.”
The fact that the Vikings have managed to turn things around without their best player is notable. Not only are they are a perfect 4-0 without Jefferson since he suffered a hamstring injury in the Oct. 8 home game against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Vikings have improved their record to 5-4 in the process to get themselves back into the NFC playoff picture.
As much as the Vikings are looking forward to having Jefferson as a part of the offense, they aren’t willing to put him back on the field for a game until he’s 100 percent.
“We kind of have a rough timetable in our minds of what that looks like,” O’Connell said. “We’re just going to take it a day at a time from here on out.”
Dobbs gets weekly award
Things keeping getting better for quarterback Josh Dobbs. His performance last Sunday in Atlanta earned him the honors of NFC Offensive Player of the Week. He led the Vikings to a 31-28 win over the Falcons, finishing 20 of 30 passing for 158 yards and a pair of touchdowns, to go along with 66 yards rushing and another touchdown.
Not bad considering Dobbs only had a few days to learn the playbook after the Vikings acquired him from the Arizona Cardinals at the trade deadline.
Fittingly, O’Connell got to share the news in a team meeting, and the room erupted for Dobbs in response.
“My challenge for him is to really pick up where he left off on Sunday and continue his growth and understanding of our offense,” O’Connell said. “Just continue to enjoy the process here and keep growing within it.”
Morgan to practice squad
With three quarterbacks — Kirk Cousins, Nick Mullens and rookie Jaren Hall — all recovering from injuries, the Vikings barely have enough bodies to get through practice at the moment.
Enter former Gophers quarterback Tanner Morgan. He has officially signed with the practice squad for the second time this season. It’s likely the decision had more to do with the fact that Morgan lives nearby, and thus, can get to TCO Performance Center quickly to help the Vikings prepare.
After confirming the roster move, O’Connell thanked Gophers coach P.J. Fleck for letting him borrow Morgan, who is currently serving as an offensive analyst for his alma mater.
“We always like having Tanner here,” O’Connell said. “I really enjoy him.”
Briefly
The recovery process is underway for running back Cam Akers as the Vikings have placed him on injured reserve. He will have surgery at a later date to repair his Achilles tendon.
Meanwhile, the injury report for the Vikings is something to keep an eye on this week. As of now, Hall (concussion), receiver K.J. Osborn (concussion) and defensive tackle Dean Lowry (groin) are not practicing, while Jefferson (hamstring), tight end T.J. Hockenson (ribs), left tackle Christian Darrisaw (groin), linebacker Brian Asamoah (ankle) and tight end Johnny Mundt (knee) are limited.
